Finding appropriate storage solutions for a tight space can be a daunting task. That challenge is doubled when it involves organizing a small kitchen.

Last week I introduced the WHO Challenge. I invited you to look in - and to participate - as I decluttered and organized a few spaces in my kitchen. I will resume that journey this week. But for now let's discuss some of the storage solutions I use to make my small kitchen work like a boss for me.

Affiliate links may be included in this post. This means that should you purchase a linked product, I may receive a small commission, but at no additional cost to you. To read my full disclosure click here.

The trick to finding the appropriate solutions for your small space is to think outside the box. Yes, look for storage solutions in unusual places like the bath, craft, and office supply sections of you favorite home decor stores.

Let me illustrate how this works. Take a look at the photo below. What do you think was the original purpose of these tin containers? Scroll down for the answer.

These bins are actually bathroom trash cans! Yes - trash cans. I found them in the bath section of my local Marshalls. Their size is perfect for corralling those items that often get lost in the backs of cabinets and pantries. Oil and vinegar bottles fit perfectly inside. And contents that don't yet fit into the canister designated for them, go into the bin labeled "left overs", and are used first. As you can see, they fit nicely in my narrow, shallow pantry.

Let's move on to the office supply section. I happened to have a couple silver mesh wall pouches below stored away. I purchased these from the Container Store years ago, and no longer used them. But their flexibility made them perfect for my cramped pantry space. How excited I was to learn that the Container Store still sold them. I use these to store bread, bagels, salad toppings, and popcorn. If you like this idea, click here for a great alternative, or here to order these exact ones.

Click the photo to take a closer look at this office file box from Target

The copper holder that you see in the center of two mesh wall pockets is actually an office file box I purchased from Target. I love how easy it is to see the contents when you slide it out of place. To purchase this exact same item click here.

To store the grains in my pantry, I settled on these glass jars from Cost Plus World Market. I've been using this system for over a year now. And it seems to be working fine, with the exception of one thing. Apparently the seal is not strong enough to keep the brown sugar from getting hard. I settled that problem by wrapping plastic over the top before placing on the lid.

Also, when reading the reviews on this product, I noticed that those living in dry areas of the United States had problems with the seals. To see if these glass canisters are right for you, click here to read the reviews and/or purchase.

There's just one more odd ball item that I use for storage in my kitchen. It's this black magazine file box. In an up coming post, I'll show you how I transformed it, so that it also works in my small pantry.

In the meantime, I'd like to know your thoughts on these storage solutions. Do you use any odd ball items to store things in your home?

Shop the Post
Affiliate product links have been included in this post. This means that when you click or purchase an item, I may receive a teeny-weeny commission which helps me to support this blog. Be assured that I only feature products that I use, or love.

I'm definitely in the same boat of using random containers for certain things around my kitchen. I have a wooden box that came with an herbs growing kit and on it says herbs..but the herbs never grew so now it holds some of my species instead. :) Love that you used trash cans haha!

Reply

Ola

1/9/2017 04:19:24 pm

Ha ha ha ! A girl after my own heart! I love that you improvised since the herbs didn't grow. Thanks for sharing that.

This is actually really helpful for me. When we moved across country, I had no idea how small our kitchen was going to be because we found the apartment online. I didn't get to see it in person. I've been having to be creative with my space to make sure everything fits!

These are some great ideas. I really like the clear file box from Target. I would have never thought to do that! My daughter is moving into a house next month that has a small kitchen. She can definitely use some tips. Thanks!

Reply

Ola

1/9/2017 04:24:10 pm

As the saying goes necessity is the mother of invention. When you don't have the space you're forced to get creative. Thanks for visiting.

I like those silver wall pouches. I could see using that office file box on my narrow counter. I have some containers but I can imagine how cute my cupboard would be with all those pretty little uniform jars!

Reply

Ola

1/9/2017 07:28:23 pm

Thanks Rose! And did you notice how inexpensive the jars are? I'm so glad you enjoyed the article.

I love the idea of the crackers and trail mix being in a container! I am going to have to try that. One thing that I have done to keep certain things organized is buy a bookshelf and keep certain things on it.

Isaly Holland | http://www.memoriesbyisaly.com

Reply

Ola

1/10/2017 07:10:03 am

Thanks Isaly it's so much better than having a bunch of bulky boxes everywhere. And I still have room for a couple of bags of chips. Ha! Give it a try, you'll live the convenience.